The Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54) completed an ammunition on load May 20, while at anchorage off of Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka.
Sailors assigned to Antietam’s weapons department took charge of the shipboard evolution and were responsible for the planning of safely receiving and moving the ordnance within the ship.
Prior to each shipboard evolution, a brief is held in the ships wardroom where a variety of topics are discussed in preparation for the on load.
The ship receives multiple types of ammunition at different locations, such as the forecastle, the flight deck, aft missile deck and fan tail.
The location of anchorage, sea state, weather and winds also play a major role in the successful and safe completion of the on load.
With cranes moving ordnance overhead, it is imperative that Sailors receiving ammo on any ship should always keep their head on a swivel and pay attention to any discrepancy they may find.
Antietam is on patrol in the 7th Fleet area of operations supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.
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Image: US Navy